Vet Serves in Denver, CO

Dr. Lori Schmalz

Verified Veterinarian

58 reviews

Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia

Becoming a veterinarian was a natural choice for me given my upbringing in which nearly all activities revolved around our animals. I followed the passion that was instilled in me by my family. I performed my first at-home euthanasia in 2007. It was an amazing experience with an owner and pet I had been caring for in clinic. I'll never forget what a beautiful day it was as I watched the owner kiss each of her dog's feet as he fell asleep in his beloved yard. It opened my eyes to how euthanasia could be and should be. Since then I have strived to provide excellent service so my clients and patients have the best possible experience in such a difficult and tender time.

Education

Undergraduate: Bowling Green State University - 1988

Veterinary Medicine: Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine - 1992

Certifications

3

CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian), Human-Animal Bond Certified, Fear Free Certified

 CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian)Human-Animal Bond CertifiedFear Free Certified
  • Based InLittleton, CO
  • Service areasDenver, CO & surrounding areas
  • Work Experience33+ years
  • Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats
  • Notice Required2 hours

General availability

Thursday10:00 am - 6:30 pm

Availability each week can vary based on demand and scheduling. Please provide a minimum 2 hour advance notice for all bookings.

Services provided

At home pet euthanasia

Dr. Lori Schmalz will help your beloved pet transition peacefully in the comfort of of their home, surrounded by loved ones

Est. CostStarting at $349

Pet cremation

Dr. Lori Schmalz will arrange and handle all of your cremation needs, including careful and loving transportation of your pet to the crematorium through private or communal process handled

Est. CostFrom $149 - $499

Keepsakes

Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned

Est. CostFrom $18 - $265

Quality of life consult

Schedule a 1-on-1 with a vet over a virtual conference call or at home.

Est. CostStarting at $225

What pet parents are saying

Dr. Lori was amazing and so caring during such a difficult time. She made sure we and our Little Ella was completely comfortable. She took time to explain everything, and we never felt rushed. She listened to our stories about how Ella was the greatest dog ever to lived and seemed to agree! She is a wonderful human being! Thank you so much for your kindness and expertise!

codapet review
5.0
Jul 14 2025 by Doreen Garnhart
Review by Doreen Garnhart
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture

Dr. Lori is the best, so kind, gentle, and heart centered. Thank you Dr. Lori for existing and the work you do. Would 1000/10 recommend 👌

codapet review
5.0
Nov 21 2025 by Kayla S.
Review by Dr. Lori Schmalz

Our beloved Bernese Mountain Dog's health had been steadily declining for weeks. When we came to the gut-wrenching realization that his quality of life and health were so poor that it wasn't fair to him to let him suffer, we knew we had to intervene. When our previous pup reached this point several years earlier, we took her to our vet to be euthanized. It was absolutely awful seeing her for the last time on a vet's sterile, stainless steel table. We didn't want a repeat of that, so we contacted Dr. Lori. Dr. Lori has a beautiful, calming demeanor and reassured us that we were making the right decision. She came to our home so our pup could die peacefully and comfortably, surrounded by family. Having him die at home made this awful experience manageable, and she eased his passing in the most humane way. Our last sight of our pup was seeing him lovingly bundled in soft blankets in the back of her vehicle. He deserved to die with dignity and Dr. Lori provided that. I can't recommend Dr. Lori enough for a pet's end-of-life care.

codapet review
5.0
Dec 02 2024 by Lee R
Review by Lee R
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture

I cannot even begin to express my thanks to Dr Lori!! Wow! I had to see BOTH of my senior babies go at the same time and it was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made in my entire life. Dr Lori was exemplary in everything she did. She was kind and gentle to everyone involved and I couldn’t have asked for a more caring person. I cannot recommend her enough. Thank you for making a hard day as easy as possible. From the bottom of my heart! Thank you

codapet review
5.0
Mar 17 2025 by B MG
Review by B MG
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture

Dr. Lori was so kind, professional , and so gentle with my beloved dog before she passed and after. She explained the procedure step by step and let us grief in private before taking Zuka away. I highly recommend her and my family and I thank her for her exceptional respect of the situation and kindness she showed us.

codapet review
5.0
Feb 15 2025 by Janice B.
Review by Dr. Lori Schmalz

Dr. Schmalz was very kind and caring towards us and our dog Toby. She made sure we understood the process and gave us time after to be with Toby. She suggested that we have our other two dogs come up and see him after, which we did, and we feel that was such a good thing for them. They know what happened and they aren't looking for him in the house. Dr. Schmalz clearly loves animals and she made sure that Toby was very relaxed and could not feel any pain before she gave him the final meds. She was careful with him when we put him in her car to go to to be cremated and I have no doubt that she was very careful with him once he was out of our care. While this is always the most difficult and heartbreaking decision, it was comforting to know that Dr. Schmalz was there and we knew she cared about us and our Toby. Thank you for providing a wonderful service.

codapet review
5.0
Jan 23 2026 by Catherine M.
Review by Catherine M.
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture